The Season 1 finale of Netflix's comedy series "The Hawk" left viewers with a lingering question: Did Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins intentionally miss his final putt at the U.S. Open, or was it another instance of choking under pressure?
The cast members have offered their perspectives on the pivotal moment in episode 10, titled "Pickle," where Hawkins, portrayed by Will Ferrell, comes within a single stroke of winning the tournament. This outcome contrasts with a previous season where he famously faltered against opponent Golden Fisk, played by Luke Wilson. This time, however, the narrative suggests Hawkins might have missed deliberately to protect his son, Lance (Jimmy Tatro), whom he mistakenly believed was in danger from mobsters.
Luke Wilson, who plays Fisk, expressed skepticism about the intentional miss. "There’s no way," Wilson told Decider. "I just think in the world of pro sports, you know, that a guy like that, a three-time major winner, even for his beloved son, I don’t think he would miss. But that’s just my opinion."
Jimmy Tatro, who plays Lance, believes his character's father was still striving for victory. "I think, if anything, Lance may have gotten it in his head, but I don’t think, ultimately, he did it on purpose. I think he was still going for it," Tatro said. "Maybe his heart missed it, but his brain wanted it."
Molly Shannon, who plays Hawkins' estranged wife, interpreted the script differently. "When I read the script, I did not think that [he really tried to win]," Shannon stated. "I believed that he was gonna let his son win and do the right thing."
Fortune Feimster, who plays Hawkins' caddy, indicated her character would have given him the benefit of the doubt. "I think my character would have given him the thought he did it on purpose," Feimster said.
Will Ferrell, who also co-created and executive produced the series, shared a more complex view. He suggested that while Hawkins may have genuinely tried to make the putt, his parental instincts didn't fully materialize in that moment. Ferrell posited that Hawkins' subsequent declaration of missing on purpose stemmed from deep shame and embarrassment over his actions. "If I had to, I think Lonnie did try to make it, though," Ferrell shared. "He carried such shame and guilt, and he was so embarrassed that that’s why he said I missed on purpose. For sure. But I think, I think he really tried to make it."
Ultimately, Ferrell suggested the interpretation of the ending is left to the audience, hinting that viewer engagement could influence the possibility of a second season. "I’m going to leave it up to the audience, you know?" Ferrell said with a laugh.
"The Hawk" Season 1 is currently available for streaming on Netflix.